Monthly Archives: April 2017

Heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 10-member countries will be gracing the 30th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines on 27-28 of April, 2017. The Philippines is honored to host this year’s ASEAN gathering, as such President Duterte is the Chairman of the said event . Just a brief backgrounder, ASEAN was created in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia,Singapore and Thailand as the Founding Members, initially using the so-called “sports-shirt diplomacy” (friendship and solidarity). Other member states such as Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam joined in later. ASEAN Summit 2017 with its … Continue reading ASEAN IN ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY: ARE THERE “GOLDEN” OPPORTUNITIES?→

The Philippine Government’s economic managers launched this month (Apri18th) Duterte Administration’s banner flag, known as “Dutertenomics”, a platform for the country’s economic growth and development, taking into account its socioeconomic 10-point agenda. As Secretary Benjamin Diokno of Dept. of Budget and Management (DBM) mentioned, the Government took an ambitious economic plans and programs as it would require roughly P8.4 Trillion (or $172 Billion) in a span of 6 years, ramping up Government’s infrastructure expenditures, vis-a-vis previous administrations’ infra-related projects. Under Dutertenomics, the following major national infrastructure projects (mainly focusing on transportation and social infrastructure projects) are envisioned to sustain Philippine’s … Continue reading Dutertenomics: Economic Banner of Duterte Administration→

Have you been a good steward of our Mother Earth? Earth Day is being celebrated yearly since its launching in the 70s in the United States. Basically, its purpose is to remind and inculcate in the minds of all the people worldwide to protect and conserve our planet Earth and its environment. Today (22nd of April) is designated as Earth Day for 2017. Everyone is encouraged to enlighten and empower others with the end view of defending the environment in consonance with this year’s theme (Environment and Climate Literacy). Education is one essential basic right for each of us, hence, the … Continue reading Earth Day 2017: We Are Stewards, Not Masters of Earth→

Today, 20th of April, Time Magazine has officially proclaimed President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines as the winner of its 2017 online poll for “most influential” people all over the world. The poll results showed that President Duterte got a 5% YES votes compared to the other contenders. Other nominees who occupied the Top 5 garnering 3% votes for each of them are Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, Pope Francis of Vatican State, Bill Gates of Microsoft, and Marck Zuckerberg of Facebook. But why did Duterte obtain the highest votes despite criticisms and unfavorable judgment from both local and international … Continue reading Duterte Places First In Time’s 100 Most Influential List: WHY?→

The “plan” to confer an honorary doctorate degree on Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte by the University of the Philippines (UP) Board of Regent (BOR) was aborted easily by no less than the President himself. President Duterte declined to accept the conferment for a very simple reason: Accepting such degrees or any kind of distinction is not within his policy, not in his wildest dreams, not in his blood, and not even a hidden desire for it ever since he was a Mayor of Davao City! The said “plan” which was disclosed and disseminated via social media triggered several reactions and impressions … Continue reading Honoris Causa For PDuterte: An Aborted Plan!→

The Easter Vigil with the blessing of the Easter Fire, Oil, Water and the Paschal Candle, gives me a strange feeling of excitement ever since my childhood days. I don’t know why it gives me goose bumps. It continues to amaze me probably because I liken it to the tradition of lighting a bonfire during Girl Scouts camping season! But the said excitement has quite changed to a different level as I grow up. The manner on how the Easter Vigil tradition is being undertaken makes it more significant, e.g. the gathering of the parishioners around the Easter Fire and the procession … Continue reading The Flame of God’s Love-What An “Easterly”Feeling!→

Have you ever asked yourself? What is beautiful during Good Friday? A friend of mine who has no firm commitment as far as his religious orientation is concerned posed this query, “Why do you call it Good Friday? I simply ignored the question, instead I looked at him in dismay and responded, Really? Of course, he knows what’s being commemorated on Good Friday. He’s a very learned man. He’s aware of why Christians celebrate Holy Week, irrespective of his religion. As a matter of fact, almost all of us regardless of our beliefs know that Good Friday is the day … Continue reading The Beauty of Good Friday→

Today is the time wherein the feet of many of our Christian brothers throughout the world are being washed by priests and pastors during liturgical rites to commemorate Jesus’ washing of the feet of the 12 Apostles. This is likewise the day when the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles happened, including His revelation that one of the Apostles will eventually betray Him. In one of my CCD classes, one of the young girls asked me, “Why did Jesus wash the feet of the Apostles?” Unsure of what to say, I candidly told her the most practical answer that … Continue reading Why Did Jesus Wash The Apostles’ Feet?: Holy Thursday Reflection→

There was a time in my bff’s professional life when she felt betrayed and humiliated by certain people whom she had crossed paths with. At first, these “decent” people appeared to be gracious and gentle, apparently they needed my friend for their triumphant entry. Unknowingly and probably due to her naivety of the word “power play” in the corporate world, these people ((prior to joining the organization) had already specific agenda in mind, i.e., to take steps on how my friend could be stripped of most of her crucial duties. They felt my friend could serve as a barrier in their … Continue reading Light At The End Of The Tunnel: A Holy Wednesday Reflection→

Today is Palm Sunday, and Christians (Catholics and non-Catholics) throughout the globe commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus and his followers into the gates of Jerusalem. According to Scriptures, Jesus rode on a donkey with His disciples and large crowd preceding Him. While on their way, they cheered and cried out : “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”. The crowd carried palm branches, waving them with enthusiasm and inviting other people’s attention which lead them to ask, Who is this? And the crowd replied: “This … Continue reading Palm Sunday: A Prelude To Judas’ Kiss of Betrayal→